TELCS
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March
In March, many California landscapes shift from winter to spring in rapid succession.
For gardeners, landscapers, and property managers, the trickiest adjustment in March is when to turn on or reschedule supplemental irrigation. Hopefully, winter was wet, and irrigation was turned off (if your landscape is managed by a smart controller connected to rain data, it may have shut off on its own). If you do not have a smart controller, or if we have an unusually dry March, then being aware of these weather changes and soil conditions is critical for helping plants continue to thrive.
Here's something often unsaid: adding the proper supplemental irrigation and a good layer of mulch will save water. There is no need to overwater in spring because the soil will still retain moisture from the winter. Plants may still be dormant or just emerging, so overwatering is not good. A layer of mulch supports soil moisture retention and weed reduction. Plants will expand their root systems and be well prepared for spring and summer growth by extending winter moisture without overwatering.
things to do
Consider Helleborus, Camellias, and Rhododendrons for Winter Bloom
Consider a Herb Garden, and for Early Start Veggies and Flowers, Use a Cold Frame
Install or Reinvigorate Compost or Mulch
Continue to Repair, Replace, Upgrade, and Test Irrigation Where Needed
Start a Compost Bin to Keep Waste Onsite
Tune Up Lawnmowers by Sharpening Blades and Make Sure of Optimal Operation
Consider Adding Rain Sensors or a Weather Station to a Smart Irrigation System
Prepare Winter Dormant Veggie Planters with Fresh Soil and Compost
Lift and Divide Perennials While They are Still Dormant
Consider Moving Evergreens if Needed to Balance a Design
Deadhead Daffodils and Other Flowering Bulbs, but Allow the Foliage to Remain Attached to the Bulb
Prune Back Finished Early Blooming Shrubs Like Forsythia and Chaenomeles
Let "Good Weeds" Flower and Even Reseed (Project Specific)
Continue to Manage Weeds
Check for Slugs and Snails Looking for Tender New Plant Shoots